Woman Gets US$1.2 Billion After Ex-Lover Leaked Intimate Pictures Online
A Texas jury recently rendered a ground-breaking verdict awarding a woman only known as DL a mind-boggling US$1.2 billion (£944 million) in damages, finding that she was the victim of revenge pσ_rn carried out by her ex-lover who posted her private images online.
The case established a stunning win for victims seeking justice and shines light on the catastrophic effects of image-based sε_xual assault.
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The woman, whose identity remains protected by the initials DL, initiated a harassment lawsuit against her former partner in 2022, alleging that he intentionally shared and leaked intimate photos of her online without her consent as a means of public humiliation following their breakup. These images were distributed across social media platforms and adult websites, even being shared with her close friends and family members.
DL’s legal team hailed the court’s decision as a triumph for all victims of image-based se_xual abuse. Bradford Gilde, the lead trial lawyer, affirmed that the verdict “gives DL back her good name” and emphasizes the importance of deterrence against such deplorable actions. Originally seeking $100 million in damages, the lawsuit sought to deliver a powerful message against such behaviour.
“We hope the staggering amount of this verdict sends a message of deterrence and prevents others from engaging in this despicable activity,” stated Mr. Gilde, highlighting the punitive nature of the awarded damages as a strong deterrent against future perpetrators.
The BBC reports that DL’s ordeal not only involved the public sharing of intimate images but also encompassed a campaign of psychological and emotional abuse. Her lawyers contended that the ex-boyfriend’s actions were aimed at inflicting a mix of psychological abuse, domestic violence, and se_xual abuse. The distress caused by the public exposure of such private content is immeasurable.
The ex-boyfriend, who failed to appear in court and was unrepresented, was ordered to pay DL a total of $200 million for past and future mental anguish, along with an unprecedented $1 billion in punitive damages for a total of US$1.2 billion award to the wo. This staggering sum underlines the court’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims and holding perpetrators accountable.
DL’s case highlights the pervasiveness of image-based se_xual abuse in society. A study conducted by the Data & Society Research Institute revealed that around 10 million Americans, particularly women aged 18 to 29, reported being victims of non-consensual or revenge p0rn in 2016. This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for stronger legal protections against such practices.
While the majority of US states have implemented anti-revenge p0rn laws, this case reinforces the importance of continued efforts to combat this form of abuse. DL’s victory sets a powerful precedent, reminding potential wrongdoers that the legal system will hold them accountable for their actions.
